bags - Diaper Bags

With so many things to get sorted before your baby is born you might not give too much consideration to which diaper bag you're going to buy. It's a common mistake to underestimate the value of such a multi functional piece of kit such as a diaper bag. Your baby's diaper bag is going to be with you everywhere you go for the foreseeable future and it will prove far more useful than just storage for diapers so it is well worth taking a little time to decide which diaper bag is the one for you. For a start diaper bags come in all sorts of sizes and for the regular traveller you might find the bigger the better. You might decide that you need two diaper bags, one specifically packed for trips away and another for those short day to day trips. You don't want to be lugging multiple bags around so if you are bottle feeding you might decide to go for a bigger diaper bag so that all you feeding essentials are close to hand. If you are fashion conscious the appearance of your diaper bag might be more important but if you forego functionality and space for curb appeal you might just find that you regret you decision and have to buy a new diaper bag at a later date. By all means choose a diaper bag that you are happy to be seen going around with but don't loose site of your baby's day to day needs. If you are using cloth diapers don't forget that you won't be just throwing them in a bin so you'll need to be able to take them home. Even though your baby's soiled diapers will be bagged it's a good idea to get a diaper bag that has a discrete area for used diapers. Your baby will probably need at least one change of baby clothes for when you are out and it's a good idea to have another spare set so make sure you get a diaper bag that is big enough for all your clothing essentials including anything you need just in case the weather changes. We've talked about diapers, feeding equipment and changes of clothes so that's a good amount of space used up in your diaper bag already but what about baby wipes, a changing pad and diaper rash cream and then there's things to keep your baby amused such as comfort toys, teething rings and other toys. It can never be said that a baby travels light so a small discrete diaper bag is probably not a good idea. You might be able to cram in the bare essentials to a smaller diaper bag but will you be able to carry everything you need and equally importantly get to your diapers, feed and other essentials at the point you need them. There is nothing worse than scrabbling around and having to pull everything out of your diaper bag to find what you want when your baby is unwilling to wait! For more about everything baby visit 1st-4-baby.com Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Ross bags - Backpacks, Duffel Bags, Luggage: Fashion and Function As the character Clairee Belcher so famously said in the movie Steel Magnolias, "The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize." Today, handbags have surpassed jewelry and shoes as the ultimate fashion accessory. Indeed, for many women, a handbag is much more than a vehicle for carrying items around; it's a statement of identity. Although they're more utilitarian in nature, the same thing can be said for backpacks, duffel bags, luggage, sports bags, cooler bags, and even laptop briefcases. Any parent who has ever shopped for school backpacks knows that a backpack is more than a bag for carrying books; the color, the features, and the design of backpacks are all important to a child, teen, or college student. Likewise, someone who spends their leisure time hiking may want you to think function is more important than fashion, but they want their hiking backpacks to both fit great and look great. Ditto for travel bags and even fanny packs. Regardless of the type of backpack or bag, the owner wants to feel as though it reflects his or her personality. That doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice quality for style, though, or that you have to buy backpacks that are the equivalent of the stiletto heel - attractive but completely impractical. You can indulge your fashion preferences while still buying affordable, well-constructed backpacks and bags. Here are some tips for finding the perfect backpack: * Before shopping, decide which features are important and which you (or your child) can live without. Is a mesh water bottle holder a must-have? Can you live without a CD holder and earphone hole? Do you prefer sling backpacks or traditional backpacks? * When shopping for a backpack, look at the compartments and think about how they will be used. Will multiple outside storage compartments make it easier to find items? Is a front pocket organizer the perfect place to keep often-used items? * Always go for quality construction. If it's going to be worn as a backpack, look for padded shoulder straps - especially if heavy books will be lugged around. A reinforced handle is also an indicator of quality construction. Make sure that the backpack is made from superior materials and has reinforced double stitching and strong, non-rusting zippers. * Buy backpacks that are guaranteed. There's nothing more frustrating than investing in a backpack, only to have it tear or fall apart in a month or two. Find a company or an online store offer a money-back guarantee for their products. Backpacks, duffel bags, daypacks, and hiking packs are definitely practical, but they can also be cool accessories. Indulge your whimsy, but keep an eye on quality.